Cisco FET-10G SFP Transceiver

Cisco FET-10G – Fabric Extender Transceiver for 10G High-Speed Connectivity

The Cisco FET-10G transceiver is a 10G SFP+ optical module specifically designed for short-range connectivity in Cisco Fabric Extender (FEX) environments. Operating over OM3/OM4 multimode fiber (MMF) at an 850nm wavelength, the Cisco FET-10G offers a cost-effective and high-performance solution for linking Nexus switches to FEX devices in Cisco data center architectures.

Unlike traditional SR modules, this transceiver  is engineered to work exclusively with Cisco Nexus and UCS platforms, ensuring compatibility, low latency, and optimal power efficiency within Cisco infrastructure environments.

Key Features :

• Data Rate: 10 Gbps

• Wavelength: 850nm

• Connector Type: Duplex LC

• Fiber Type: OM3/OM4 Multimode Fiber

• Maximum Reach: Up to 100m on OM3, 125m on OM4

• Form Factor: Hot-swappable SFP+

• Power Consumption: Low power draw

• Optimized for Cisco Fabric Extender (FEX) links

• DOM (Digital Optical Monitoring) supported

it is ideal for customers looking to connect Cisco Nexus 2000 Series FEX to Nexus 5000/7000 switches with maximum efficiency.

Use Cases :

The Cisco FET-10G was purpose-built for Cisco FEX deployments, making it the preferred module for:

• Top-of-rack to end-of-row switching

• Connecting Nexus 2000 Series FEX to parent switches

• Short-range, high-speed 10G connections within data centers

• Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) environments

• Migration from copper to fiber-based interconnects

If you’re deploying a Cisco FabricPath, vPC, or ACI topology, the Cisco FET-10G helps maintain full compatibility and performance.

Benefits :

Using the Cisco FET-10G ensures that your data center environment is fully aligned with Cisco design best practices. Some of the top benefits include:

• Lower cost compared to standard 10G SR optics

• Reduced power and cooling demands

• Ensured compatibility with Cisco transceiver validation tools

• Auto-recognition by Cisco switches for simplified provisioning

• Backed by Cisco warranty and support coverage

It is not a generic transceiver—it’s a highly tailored component optimized for Cisco-centric environments that demand predictability and performance.

 Cisco FET-10G vs. 10GBASE-SR

While the Cisco FET-10G and 10GBASE-SR transceivers both operate over MMF, they are not directly interchangeable. The Cisco FET-10G is only supported on specific Nexus and UCS platforms for Fabric Extender connections and will not function on non-Cisco devices. In contrast, SR modules are broadly compatible across many vendors.

This makes the Cisco FET-10G the ideal choice for cost-optimized FEX topologies, especially when the required link length is under 125 meters.

Extended Use and Scalability

As businesses scale up their leaf-spine architecture or implement Cisco ACI, using the Cisco FET-10G helps maintain consistency, visibility, and manageability across the network. These modules are validated with Cisco’s transceiver compatibility matrix, reducing the risk of incompatibility or failure. They also support Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM), giving real-time insight into optical performance.

Why Choose Cisco FET-10G for Enterprise Networks?

Choosing the Cisco FET-10G transceiver is a strategic decision for enterprises committed to building scalable, high-performance, Cisco-based networks. Unlike generic optics, this module is purpose-built to integrate tightly with Cisco Fabric Extender technology, offering guaranteed compatibility and lower failure rates. It helps streamline deployment by automatically syncing with parent Nexus switches, reducing manual configuration and ensuring quicker rollout in critical environments.

Another advantage of the Cisco FET-10G is its cost-efficiency. It delivers the same 10G throughput as SR modules but at a significantly lower price point—making it ideal for environments where many FEX links are required, such as leaf-spine topologies in large data centers. It also draws less power, contributing to greener IT practices and improved rack cooling efficiency.

In summary, its  offers a unique blend of performance, simplicity, and savings, making it a smart investment for businesses relying on Cisco data center architecture for agility and future growth.

Whether you’re building new or expanding existing Cisco data center infrastructure, the Cisco FET-10G provides an efficient, plug-and-play solution for reliable 10G connectivity.